Not bad for a Californian Syrah. I mean, although its 14.5% its not hot. And while its as dark as a black cat in a coal mine (still) its not THAT over extracted. And while its certainly not blessed with anything resembling a Rhone Syrah in terms of flavor profile, its ok, tasty, in a new world sort of way. And its not one of the those horrid Ozzy Shiraaazzz monsters. Ugh. So all in all, easy to drink. Hints of tobacco, spice, dark berries and yes vanilla (all the new oak no doubt....) on the nose and palate. Its still balanced, and while no means light and lively (I wish), it swings across the tongue and down the gullet easily and very smoothly. I can understand why others rated it more highly, but I think its not quite there due to lack of depth and nuance.
It appears that there are still a lot of bottles in Cellar Tracker inventories - drink up folks. Its not over the hill but the tannins are pretty much resolved and I don't see it getting any better. The fruit will begin to fall off and the acids poke through. Its in a good spot right now so why push it?? Enjoy what it has to offer and move on.....
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11/20/2014 - CP wrote: 84 Points
This is over the hill, very vegetal at this point, hints of dark fruit not enough to provide balance. Drink them up.
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2/27/2013 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 89 Points
Not bad for a Californian Syrah. I mean, although its 14.5% its not hot. And while its as dark as a black cat in a coal mine (still) its not THAT over extracted. And while its certainly not blessed with anything resembling a Rhone Syrah in terms of flavor profile, its ok, tasty, in a new world sort of way. And its not one of the those horrid Ozzy Shiraaazzz monsters. Ugh. So all in all, easy to drink. Hints of tobacco, spice, dark berries and yes vanilla (all the new oak no doubt....) on the nose and palate. Its still balanced, and while no means light and lively (I wish), it swings across the tongue and down the gullet easily and very smoothly. I can understand why others rated it more highly, but I think its not quite there due to lack of depth and nuance.
It appears that there are still a lot of bottles in Cellar Tracker inventories - drink up folks. Its not over the hill but the tannins are pretty much resolved and I don't see it getting any better. The fruit will begin to fall off and the acids poke through. Its in a good spot right now so why push it?? Enjoy what it has to offer and move on.....
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8/26/2012 - tcarter Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fantastic with BBQ.
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3/26/2011 - tdcd@comcast.net wrote: 84 Points
Nothing to write home about
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7/9/2010 - Harneloot wrote: 90 Points
must agree with previous rater (alandf), though it may have lost a point or so over the last 6 months....
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